Major in Asian Studies

As a global presence in culture, economy, and politics, Asia is no longer over there. Indeed, Asia is here! By studying Asian civilizations and contemporary societies and the Asian experience in North America, we come to understand a significant part of humanity and acquire insight into ourselves. The University at Buffalo offers an interdisciplinary B. A. concentration exploring many facets of Asia. For consultation, contact the Asian Studies Program.

Students who major in Asian Studies find vocational opportunities in international business, government service, non-governmental organizations, and the arts. Some go on to professional schools in such fields as management, finance, diplomacy, and law. Others pursue graduate degrees and enter Asia-related academic careers. Students who combine a Major in Asian Studies with another field through a Double Major are particularly well suited for vocations which require disciplinary/professional training coupled with Asian language skills and cultural understanding.

Core courses, all required (10 hours)

An Asian language (12-18 hours, or 6-8 hours* beyond the General Education language requirement) Four semesters. Students who are native speakers of an Asian language may test out of the language requirement and be required to complete in its place two additional, three-hour courses in the upper elective category or two semesters of an Asian language other than their own.

Upper level electives (18 hours) Approved courses at the 300-400 level. 9 hours must relate to the culture or region of the language selected. At least 6 hours must be in the social sciences and at least 6 hours in the humanities. Up to 6 hours of language courses at the 300-level and above may be counted.

AS 498: Senior Research in Asian Studies (3 hours).  Offered every spring.

Total hours: 37-39, in addition to the General Education language requirement.

*Some second-year language courses are four hours, others are three hours per semester.

Minor In Asian Studies

As a companion to a major in an academic or professional field, the interdisciplinary Minor in Asian Studies broadens and enriches the student's academic experience. It inculcates skills and concepts for appreciating the rich civilizations of Asia and for dealing professionally with Asian peoples. The Minor is a valuable credential for graduate study and an international career. Students who have completed any one of the courses required for the Minor with a grade of C or better may apply for the Minor.

Required courses: 24-30 credit hours

1. Language proficiency: 4 courses

   Intermediate proficiency in an Asian language, as certified by completion of any of the following courses: CHI 202, JPN 202, KOR 202, HIN 194, or ARI 202. Students who satisfy the language requirement through a means others than course work must take two advanced courses in addition to the three required below; only one of the two may be in the student's major department.

2. Core course: 1 course

   HIS 181: Asian Civilization I, or HIS 182: Asian Civilization II, or AS 229: Contemporary Asian Societies, or AS 220: Culture and the Arts of East Asia

3. Advanced Courses: 3 courses

   Three approved Asian courses at the 300 or 400-level. Two must be outside the student's major department. One 300-400-level language course; two semesters of Business Japanese, Business Chinese, or Business Korean; and one course in Asian-American studies are options which may be counted toward the Advanced Course requirement.

A minimum grade of C must be achieved in each course in the Minor. For more information, contact Prof. Mark Nathan, Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Except for the language proficiency requirement, courses applied to another minor or a major may not be applied to this minor.